Hunters Feeding Illinois returns
URBANA, Ill. — Hunters Feeding Illinois returns for its fourth season, in partnership with Feeding Illinois, Access Illinois Outdoors, ...
Fall soil amendment educational program to take place at Dewey Farm & Greenhouse
ELDORADO, Ill. – Growing a great garden starts with the soil. Fall soil preparation can be the key to a healthy, successful garden next spring! Join Extension educator, Bronwyn Aly, to learn about soil amendments, including cover crops, compost, manure, and more, on Tuesday, October...
Include Farm Animals in Disaster Preparedness Plan
URBANA — When tornado sirens become frequent and sudden storms appear out of thin air, it becomes apparent there is a need for a disaster preparedness plan for farmers and large animal owners alike. What happens when disaster strikes and a herd of cattle are grazing pasture?Dr. Yvette...
Illinois research shows benefits of prairie grass for sustainable aviation fuel
Switchgrass has gripped Midwestern soils for millions of years, but soon, the earthbound prairie grass could fly. New studies from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign identify economic and environmental considerations that make switchgrass a candidate...
Illinois Extension offers free dial-gauge pressure canner testing for home canners
URBANA, Ill. — With summer gardens gearing up, it’s time to take canning equipment out of storage. Illinois Extension offers free dial-gauge pressure canner testing to ensure the equipment works accurately.A variety of foods can be canned at home through boiling water bath canning and...
Keeping outside pests off indoor plants
URBANA, Ill. — Keeping houseplants is a hobby that has recently seen a huge resurgence. Now, nurseries that were all but shuttered for the winter are hosting houseplant parties and other events to help people keep their hands dirty all year.Tending to houseplants is a way to maintain our...
New agroforestry maps plot environmental, social, and economic benefits of trees
URBANA, Ill. — There’s a longstanding attitude in many farming communities that trees and agriculture don’t mix. But agroforestry — the intentional integration of trees and shrubs in agricultural systems, such as planting trees as windbreaks, integrating trees on pastures, or growing tree crops...
Farmers share how to keep valuable soil in fields
LAWRENCEVILLE, Ill. — When it comes to farming, there is no substitute for experience. This March, producers and landowners can connect with local Illinois farmers and learn from others’ hands-on knowledge on preventing soil loss in their fields at the Cultivating Conversations: Preventing Soil...
Drones in Agriculture 4-H program helps Gallatin County physics students take flight
JUNCTION, Ill. — All eyes were on the sky when Gallatin County High School students put their new-found piloting skills to the test by guiding drones through an obstacle course. In this week-long program offered by University of Illinois Extension and 4-H, students explored the fundamental...
Sweet Success: 4-H Candy Making Workshop Delights at Hamilton County
On November 17th, 2023, the Hamilton County 4-H office transformed into a confectionery wonderland as eager 4-Hers gathered for a festive candy making workshop. The event not only stirred up the holiday spirit but also served as a hands-on learning experience for the young participants, who dove...
Geology Exploration at Millstone Bluff
On November 4, 2023, Unit 24 4-Hers had the unique opportunity to learn about geological layers and explore for fossils at Millstone Bluff and Millstone Lake. This informative session was led by Joe Devera, a Paleontologist associated with the Illinois State Geological Survey. The event aimed to...
Regional Food Summit Addressing Food Access and Security Across Southern Illinois
Hunger is often hidden, but it is a huge issue in southern Illinois. In fact, according to Feeding America's Map the Meal Gap, more than 45,000 (14.3%) southern Illinoisans struggle with having enough food to eat. Food insecurity affects adults and children, with rates among children ranging by...
Plant Sale and Local Vendor Event at Dixon Springs Agricultural Center
Simpson, Ill. - Longer days and warmer temperatures mean that it is almost time to start planting your backyard garden and flower beds. University of Illinois Extension invites the public to a plant sale at the Dixon Springs Agricultural Center on April 30, May 6, and May 7 from 9 a.m. to...
